Clinton Lake Loop
Emmy is much faster at navigating the steep hills that greet you on the Clinton Lake Loop Trail. Photo by Jordan Goebig.
This is the trail that got me into distance hiking, and it’s the one I most commonly recommend to folks in Central Illinois. It’s an excellent example of why the Midwest is an awesome place to hike through!
Trail Conditions:
11 mile loop (or anything under if you don’t feel like walking in a circle)
This is a slender, dirt path that meanders around part of Clinton Lake. It’s in great shape, although you get the occasional jerk who throws their energy drink can in the woods…
You will encounter significant elevation changes along the loop. The north point, and particularly the west sections of this trail can get flooded. We recommend hiking there when it’s been dry for a while or make sure to wear shoes you’re prepared to muddy up.
Things We Loved:
Even at it’s busiest, we typically only encounter a few groups on the trail. I’m not sure if it’s not getting used a ton, or of most people tackle the loop…so we’re all just walking in the same direction! Regardless, you won’t have to interact with lots of people.
Great place for bird-watching – we love seeing all of the water fowl. If you’re lucky, you might see one of the eagles that lives in the area!
The forest is beautiful, dense, and quiet. It offers a more primitive hiking experience, and it does make you feel like you’re “getting away.”
Things to Know Before You Go:
This is just a hiking trail, there is no type of camping allowed and there are no amenities on-site, so make sure to bring in plenty of water if you’re tackling the loop.
They do close down this trail during hunting season, so be mindful of the time of year (it is so.beautiful. in the fall….). They do still allow hunting in the area even when the trail re-opens, so also know that you may see some things you weren’t prepared to stumble upon in the woods….
The trail entrance can be hard to find. You have to search online for the “North Fork Trailhead,” very specifically, to get to the right parking lot. There are mileage markers on the loop, but they are off by about .2 miles.
You are near Weldon Springs State Park and there is a brewery in Clinton, Ill. called Two Doors Down Brewery to celebrate your post-loop victory!
There is no website or trail map dedicated to the Clinton Lake Loop.
